Of temples and Kerala backwaters

The South is relatively different from the north in terms of not only geographic variations but also in terms of what it has to offer. Here the entire state resounds with the ringing of temple bells. Temples with size and grandeur of forts of North India abound in South. The temples depict tales of dynasties besides tales of Gods & Goddesses. Drift past villages, temples & churches and thr...
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Itinerary

On arrival at Chennai international airport, meet, assist & transfer to hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Day 02

Chennai - Kanchipuram - Mahabalipuram (140 Kms & 4 Hrs)

AM visit Chennai Museum & crocodile breeding farm. Later continue drive to Mahabalipuram via Kanchipuram. Kanchipuram, located around 64 Km from Chennai, is one of Hinduism's seven most sacred cities. This "Golden city of a Thousand Temples" dates back to the early Cholas in the 7th century A.D. Only around 70 temples of the original 1000 old temple complex are still intact and the most famous of them is the Kailasanatha Temple built with sandstone in the early seventh century A.D. Kanchipuram is famous for its silk weaving and a visit to the nearby villages to see the craftsmen at work on their looms is rewarding experience. On arrival at Mahabalipuram, check in at your hotel.

Overnight at the hotel.

Highlights: Chennai Museum, Crocodile breeding farm

Day 03

Mahabalipuram

AM visit the Rock temple at Mahabalipuram (Mamallapuram), which occupies a stunning position on a rocky outcrop between the beach and a lagoon. Built by the pallava rulers in the seventh century the complex comprises of 14 cave-temples, nine monolithic "Rathas", three stone temples and two relief sculptured rock panels. These two rock-panels give a graphic description of Arjuna's penance when he prayed for the powers of Shiva and form the largest Bass Relief in the world. Particularly of interest is the shore temple built on the water's edge with an east-facing altar designed to catch the rising Sub, this has now been declared a World Heritage Site. Later day at leisure for day at the beach.

Overnight at the hotel.

Highlights: Rock temple, Beach, 14 cave-temples

Day 04

Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry (134 Kms & 3 Hrs)

Morning leave for Pondicherry. On arrival check into your hotel. The former capital of French territories in India, Pondicherry was established in 1674 by Francois Martin, the first director of the French East India Company. Later visit the Auroville & later walk by the Goubert avenue. Auroville, or the “City of Dawn”, was designed by French architect Roger Anger in 1968. Conceived as a Utopian paradise by The Mother, Mira Alfassa, it was planned as a futuristic international city, where people of goodwill would live together in peace. The Gourbet Salai running along the Bay of Bengal, with its elegant colonial mansions, tree lined boulevards, parks, bars and cafes.

Overnight at the hotel.

Highlights: City of Dawn,

Day 05

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Trichy

Pondicherry - Chidambaram - Darasuram - Trichy (200 Kms & 5 Hrs)

After breakfast leave for Trichy. Enroute visit the awe-inspiring Nataraja Temple at Chidambaram, where Shiva is believed to have performed his cosmic dance, the “tandava nritya”. Dharasuram is famous for its Airatesvara Temple built in the middle 12th century, a superb example of Chola architecture. Stories from the epics are depicted on this sculpture. Kumbakonam is noted for its innumerable temples with their colourful semi-erotic sculptures. Sarangapani Temple is the largest Vishnu temple and Kumbeshwara is the largest Shiva temple there. 35 Kms north of Kumbakonam. Gangakondacholapuram was built by one of the Chola emperors in the early 11th century in the style of the Brihadishwara Temple at Thanjavur (Tanjore). The ornate tower is about 55 mts high. Close to the temple there is a museum exhibiting the remains of a palace that once stood nearby. On arrival at Trichy, check into your hotel.

Morning excursion to Tanjore where you will visit the Brihadeshwara temple & the Thanjavur Palace. Afternoon, sightseeing of Trichy visiting the ancient temples dedicated to Lord Ganapathi, 434 steps cut out into the rock side and interspersed with shrines, lead to the temple and yet another flight leads to the temple of Lord Shiva. The ascent is climaxed by magnificent view of the sacred Kaveri River. Visit Srirangam, a massive temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu which contains within its walls a bazaar, as well.

Morning drive to Madurai. En-route visit the Chitinad which is famous for its wooden aces with extensive carving. In Madurai, visit the Tirumala Nayak Palace - a gracious building in the Indo-Saracenic style, famous for the stucco work on its domes and arches. Also visit the Algar Hills and Tirupara Kundran Rock Temple. Later visit Great Meenaskhi Temple Dedicated to the consort of Lord Shiva with its towering Gopurams, rising high above the surrounding township. Also witness the evening ceremony at the Meenakshi Temple.

Morning drive to the Nilgiri mountain range to the Cardomom hills at Thekaddy. Afternoon, boat ride on the lake inside the Periyar National Park.

Overnight at the hotel.

Highlights: Nilgiri mountain range, Periyar National Park

Day 09

Periyar - Kumarakom(132 Kms & 4 Hrs)

Morning drive to Kumarakom. En-route visit a Spice Garden & a Tea Garden. On arrival embark on your houseboat for a boat cruise through the backwaters to Alleppey. Day at leisure.

Overnight on the houseboat.

Highlights: Spice Garden, A Tea Garden

Day 10

Allepey - Kovalam

Morning disembark at Allepey & drive to Kovalam. On arrival, check in at the beach resort. Day at leisure

Overnight at the resort.

Day 11

Kovalam

Day at leisure to enjoy your choice of ayurveda therapy.

Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 12

Kovalam - Trivandrum / Chennai / Depart

Morning at leisure. Later departure transfer to Trivandrum domestic airport for connect flight to Chennai. On arrival meet, assist & departure transfer to International airport for connect flight to home destination.

Places Covered

Hotel

The Leela Palace Chennai is a sea-facing modern palace hotel. Built on 4.8 acres of land, the hotel offers panoramic views of the Bay of Bengal. The hotel offers a luxurious experience evoking the rich heritage of the palaces of Tamil Nadu in terms of grandness and space. The opulent interiors of the hotel blends effortlessly wi...
More Choice of Hotel in Chennai

Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay located along the shores of Bay or Bengal at Mamallapuram is 65 km drive from Chennai. This seaside town is an acclaimed World Heritage Center with centuries old historic monuments and temples. Radisson BLU Resort Temple Bay, easily the most visited luxury resort, provides accommodations on beach f...
More Choice of Hotel in Mahabalipuram

The property is 2.5 km from Aurobindo Ashram and Museum and 12 km from Auroville. The Puducherry Railway Station is 2 km while Puducherry Airport is 6 km. The architecture of this beautiful boutique hotel is in keeping with the French colonial style of the region. It has 18 luxurious suites, a lovely courtyard with a swimming po...
More Choice of Hotel in Pondicherry

With its central location Sangam Hotel, Tiruchirapalli is 3 miles from Rock Fort Temple and 3.5 miles from Tiruchirapalli Airport. Srirangam Temple, Vayaloor Temple and Tiruyanaikkayal Temple are 6 miles away. It is 9 miles from Samavapuram Temple. The Hotels offers 90 spacious rooms in 6 formats and a choice of 6 halls for conf...
More Choice of Hotel in Trichy

The hundred year-old celebrated colonial property is perched atop the Pasumalai hill, amidst 63 acres of landscaped gardens, colonial buildings and natural bliss. The hotel offers a panoramic view of the famous MeenakshiTemple, Madurai City and the Kodai hills.The well-appointed rooms are outfitted in colonial-style charm....
More Choice of Hotel in Madurai

Spread over a large areaaround a network of pathways and intersections, the whitewashed bungalow cottages are all topped with thatch. The private deluxe guest units have a direct excess to a private patio and garden, separate shower cubicle in the bathroom, and even a small kitchenette....
More Choice of Hotel in Periyar

Coconut Lagoon has an authentic Keralan feel and having as little impact as possible on the natural environment. Much of the resort's rustic charm lies in its simplicity; guest rooms are uncluttered like the ancient tharawads of Kerala restored and recreated. Better still, splurge on a pool villa, which has its own pri...
More Choice of Hotel in Kumarakom

Vivanta by Taj - Kovalam, Kerala is a mere 12 Kms from the Trivandrum airport. With its prime location and and natural backdrop, this resort offers guests the beaches, hills and backwaters of kerala, all in one exclusive resort. The landscape is dotted with cottages, decorated in indiginious expressions and elephant-grass thatct...
More Choice of Hotel in Kovalam

Details

The South is relatively different from the north in terms of not only geographic variations but also in terms of what it has to offer. Here the entire state resounds with the ringing of temple bells. Temples with size and grandeur of forts of North India abound in South. The temples depict tales of dynasties besides tales of Gods & Goddesses. Drift past villages, temples & churches and through the picturesque and lush backwaters of Kerala on a luxurious cruise.

Weather & Climate

Jan

Max: 31

Min: 21

Feb

Max: 32

Min: 22

Mar

Max: 31

Min: 23

Apr

Max: 32

Min: 25

May

Max: 31

Min: 24

Jun

Max: 30

Min: 23

Jul

Max: 29

Min: 22

Aug

Max: 29

Min: 23

Sep

Max: 30

Min: 23

Oct

Max: 30

Min: 23

Nov

Max: 30

Min: 23

Dec

Max: 31

Min: 22

Best Time To Visit

Value for money

Off Season

Guest Speak

"It was very much appreciated by all 3 participants : we enjoyed the area and our expectations were fulfilled.we enjoyed the beauty of the nature, the Buddhist temples and the kindness of the local people." - Mr/s Fritz & Mr. A. Perriolat, France (2013)